Will Drafting Lawyers in Westchester County

Helping Westchester County Residents Create a Lasting Legacy

A person’s last will and testament (will) is the cornerstone of any proper estate plan. A will is a legal document that articulates your final wishes regarding the property, assets, and sometimes debt you leave behind when you pass away. A will only has legal effect when the life of its author (testator) expires.

Probate courts use the decedent’s will to determine the proper steps for administering their estate. Court’s will defer to the provisions of a valid will when it can, as the document represents your last wishes. Without a valid will, your property will be administered according to New York’s laws on intestate succession. An estate that is subject to intestate succession may not conform to your vision for your legacy.

Fortunately, you can consult an experienced Westchester County will drafting lawyer at Martin Law, PC to ensure you have a valid will that effectively conveys your intent. Led by Attorney Michael Martin, our legal team has more than two decades of experience handling legal matters related to wills. We offer free, confidential consultations to help you fully understand the scope and nature of your legal rights and options. We also provide legal solutions that are fashioned to fit your needs.

Call us at (845) 764-8104 to get started on securing your wealth for the future.

How to Form a Valid Will

A valid will prevents your estate from being distributed according to New York laws on intestate succession. In general, laws on intestate succession assume that the decedent wishes to give their estate to the close relatives and family first. If the decedent has no relatives to receive their estate, it becomes government property.

Importantly, a carefully drafted will that addresses your specific wishes can help ensure that subsequent probate proceedings and estate administration is handled swiftly and efficiently. An otherwise valid but ambiguous will might result in a drawn-out probate process, especially if anyone seeks to contest your will.

Most states, including New York, require a valid will to meet certain formal requirements, including:

• Capacity: The testator must fully understand what property they own and appreciate the nature of transferring it to someone after your death.
• Beneficiaries: A valid will must identify beneficiaries for some of your property.
• Signing: The testator must sign the document.
• Attestation: The document must be signed by two other witnesses.

Contact Martin Law, PC at (845) 764-8104 Today

Although anyone can technically draft their own will, it is in you and your loved ones’ best interest to consult a knowledgeable Westchester County will drafting attorney for legal advice. A well-crafted will can address specific issues such as providing a legal guardian for any of your surviving minor children, naming an Executor for your estate, and identifying a trustee to be in charge of certain property. To ensure you have an effective will, you should speak with our dedicated Westchester County will drafting attorney form Martin Law, PC. We can help you make a lasting positive impact on your friends, family, and community, even after you’ve passed on.

Contact Martin Law, PC online to arrange a complimentary case evaluation with our Westchester County will drafting attorney.